Prior to writing your book, did you underestimate the skills required? I did. Since my book is a narrative of my Camino adventure, I learned that, in addition to putting pen to paper, I had to become a translator, a photographer, a photo editor, a cartographer, and much more.
As I walked 500 miles across Spain, on the Camino de Santiago, I recorded conversations in English, French or Spanish with female hikers from all over the world. Upon my return, I translated the conversations. In addition, I included the English meaning of Spanish words related to the Camino.
Prior to this long walk, I took terrible pictures, often with heads chopped off. I had to learn to take pictures that were interesting, to place a figure in the foreground, to frame a scene, and how to use a digital camera. These skills are not innate; I have no artistic ability. My third grade teacher, Mrs Gaffney, destroyed my confidence in art when she took a black crayon and drew over my bird, saying, “That is not how you draw a bird.” Later, my biology teacher, after reviewing my drawing of an amoeba, wrote, “What is this supposed to be?” With limited artistic skills, I had a lot to learn.
Once I had the photos, I had to learn photo-editing. Fortunately, there is software that simplifies the process. With PhotoScape, I enhanced, cropped, and re-sized the pictures that I used in the book.
My editor suggested that I add maps to the book. Had she seen my drawing of the amoeba, she may not have asked me to do this. After many attempts, I created adequate representations of the route. Without her prodding, I would never have undertaken this task.
What skill did you have to learn as you wrote your book? Please comment.
